Dec 30, 2010

Krzyzewski Becomes 2nd All-Time In Division I Victories

GREENSBORO – Moments after wrapping up his historic, 880th career win, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski waved to the fans at the Greensboro Coliseum with heartfelt appreciation.

Top-ranked Duke’s 108-62 defeat of UNC Greensboro on Wednesday night moved Krzyzewski past former North Carolina coach Dean Smith into second place on the Division I career wins list.

A largely pro-Duke crowd of 22, 178 nearly packed the huge arena to witness the milestone, chanting “Coach K, Coach K” in the final minute.

“To see so many Duke fans – and people told me that a lot of these fans had traveled long distances to be here – for them to stay at the end of the game, I didn’t know what to expect, Krzyzewski said. But I didn’t expect that.”

The turnout reflected the significance of Krzyzewski’s accomplishment. Smith led Division I coaches with 879 wins when he retired in 1997, having built North Carolina into a national power whose fan base dominated the state.

Although four NCAA titles under Krzyzewski have made Duke basketball a huge national draw, the Blue Devils sometimes are seen as less favored in their home state. But the crowd that watched top-ranked Duke (12-0) defeat winless UNC Greensboro (0-12) shows the appreciation fans have for the Blue Devils close to home.

“To see how he’s changed the program, how he’s changed Duke into what it is, is a really incredible thing, said Duke senior forward Kyle Singler.

Singler scored 27 points and senior guard Nolan Smith added 26 points and nine assists as the Blue Devils rolled to their second-largest winning margin of the season. Duke scored 15 of the first 17 points and led 53-32 at halftime.

With the outcome of the game never in doubt, the focus was on Krzyzewski passing Smith as the winningest coach to work in the ACC. Smith, who is suffering from a progressive neurocognitive disorder, issued a statement through a UNC spokesman.

I congratulate Mike on this milestone victory, the statement read. I am sure he would want to share the credit for the wins with all his players and staff. I enjoyed competing against Mike’s teams throughout the many years I was at UNC. I wish him continued health and personal success.”

The obsession with Krzyzewski’s numbers will abate now. But a fan seated in a corner of the lower arena held up a sign reminding everybody that another big number is within reach.

Krzyzewski played point guard for Bob Knight at Army. Now there’s a chance he will surpass Knight’s Division I-record career total of 902 wins in the NCAA tournament in March.

“You’re next, Bobby, the sign read.

Although Krzyzewski would rather the attention be focused on his players, he appreciates the spot in history that the crowd gathered in Greensboro to celebrate.

To share a spotlight with Dean and Coach [Knight], he said, that’s a great honor.”

GREENSBORO – Moments after wrapping up his historic, 880th career win, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski waved to the fans at the Greensboro Coliseum with heartfelt appreciation.

Top-ranked Duke’s 108-62 defeat of UNC Greensboro on Wednesday night moved Krzyzewski past former North Carolina coach Dean Smith into second place on the Division I career wins list.

A largely pro-Duke crowd of 22, 178 nearly packed the huge arena to witness the milestone, chanting “Coach K, Coach K” in the final minute.

“To see so many Duke fans – and people told me that a lot of these fans had traveled long distances to be here – for them to stay at the end of the game, I didn’t know what to expect, Krzyzewski said. But I didn’t expect that.”

The turnout reflected the significance of Krzyzewski’s accomplishment. Smith led Division I coaches with 879 wins when he retired in 1997, having built North Carolina into a national power whose fan base dominated the state.

Although four NCAA titles under Krzyzewski have made Duke basketball a huge national draw, the Blue Devils sometimes are seen as less favored in their home state. But the crowd that watched top-ranked Duke (12-0) defeat winless UNC Greensboro (0-12) shows the appreciation fans have for the Blue Devils close to home.

“To see how he’s changed the program, how he’s changed Duke into what it is, is a really incredible thing, said Duke senior forward Kyle Singler.

Singler scored 27 points and senior guard Nolan Smith added 26 points and nine assists as the Blue Devils rolled to their second-largest winning margin of the season. Duke scored 15 of the first 17 points and led 53-32 at halftime.

With the outcome of the game never in doubt, the focus was on Krzyzewski passing Smith as the winningest coach to work in the ACC. Smith, who is suffering from a progressive neurocognitive disorder, issued a statement through a UNC spokesman.

I congratulate Mike on this milestone victory, the statement read. I am sure he would want to share the credit for the wins with all his players and staff. I enjoyed competing against Mike’s teams throughout the many years I was at UNC. I wish him continued health and personal success.”

The obsession with Krzyzewski’s numbers will abate now. But a fan seated in a corner of the lower arena held up a sign reminding everybody that another big number is within reach.

Krzyzewski played point guard for Bob Knight at Army. Now there’s a chance he will surpass Knight’s Division I-record career total of 902 wins in the NCAA tournament in March.

“You’re next, Bobby, the sign read.

Although Krzyzewski would rather the attention be focused on his players, he appreciates the spot in history that the crowd gathered in Greensboro to celebrate.

To share a spotlight with Dean and Coach [Knight], he said, that’s a great honor.”